Pregnancy comes with new physical limitations, and it can be tempting to try to work through them — especially if you pride yourself on being able to “do it all.” But it’s important to show yourself kindness and to set boundaries where you can. Start by being honest with yourself about how much work you’re capable of doing. Lean on trusted friends or colleagues to reassure you that it’s okay to slow down a bit. It’s also important to let go of absolutes — our jobs are rarely all or nothing. Look for compromises that allow you to offload some of your tasks. And prepare yourself to say no more often. Saying no is hard, especially when you’re used to being able to say yes, but it’s something you can practice. The next time you’re on the brink of saying yes, pause and ask yourself: “If I say yes, what do I gain and what do I lose — and if I say no, what’s the worst thing that could happen?” Then try saying this phrase to yourself: “Saying no to this right now does not make me a bad coworker. It makes me a human who needs rest.”
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